4 killed, 18 hurt as troops fire at demonstrators in J&K

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Four civilians were killed and 18 were wounded when troops opened fire on demonstrators protesting against the alleged custodial killing of a local pharmacist, Jaleel Ahmed, at Haigam on the Srinagar-Baramulla national highway on Thursday afternoon.

Police sources said the injured persons, of who nine are serious, have been rushed to hospital.

Sources said the body of Jaleel Ahmed, who was arrested allegedly by the Special Operations Group of the state police, was handed over to his relatives on Thursday. Angry villagers came out on the highway and tried to block traffic. Troops escorting an army convoy opened fire on the demonstrators, who were shouting slogans against the SOG.